SOCCER

The game is played on a huge turf between 100 and 130 yards in length dimension.
International regulation matches are played on fields of about 115 yards; the breadth is usually
around 75 yards. The goal is eight yards wide and eight feet high.
One team is allowed ten player positions on the field plus one goal keeper. Substitutes
may be employed although not more than three per match. Well, that's for official games;
amateurs can alter the number as long as both teams agree and no more than five substitutes
are used. The goalie can also be replaced but when he's out, he stays out. Substitutions are
made at dead ball -- when the play is stopped.
There are four essential positions in the game of soccer (although youth soccer does not
necessarily assign positions): Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and the Goalie. The Forward's
(1 to 3 team players) primary job is to score goals, so they must have a powerful kick to get the
soccer ball past the goalie. Midfielders or 'halfbacks' (3-6 team positions) are in charge of
stealing the ball back from the other team, so these players must be quick and agile. Defenders
(3 to 5 per team) or 'fullbacks' must be able to kick the ball longer distances. They must be able
to defend the goal and kick the ball a great distance from the goal they are protecting. Finally,
the Goalie or 'goal keeper' must prevent the ball from entering the soccer goal and is the only
player allowed to grab the ball with his hands.
A match lasts two periods of forty-five minutes. A fun coin toss decides which team
kicks off and what end of the field each team defends. Ends are exchanged after halftime.
There are no time-outs. Also, the time does not stop for fouls. Bonus time is added to account
for those pauses at the end of the half. Players never know how much time is left as the referee
is the only keeper of time.
Soccer is officially a non-contact sport. Well, like basketball is a non-contact sport. It's
forbidden to push, trip, kick, or strike an opponent. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his
hands on the ball.
For these offences, penalty kicks may be awarded. For related infractions, such as a
player who joins the game during a play, the yellow card can be shown and the game will be
restarted with a free kick. Two yellow cards call for an automatic red one. When the red card is
shown the player is sent off the field
Basic soccer game rules:
1. The maximum length of the ground shall be 200 yards, the maximum breadth shall be 100
yards.
2. A toss for goals shall take place, and the game shall be commenced by a place kick from the
centre of the ground by the side losing the toss for goals.
3. After a goal is won, the losing side shall be entitled to kick off.
4. A goal shall be won when the ball passes between the goal-posts not being thrown, knocked
on, or carried.
5. When the ball is in touch, the first player who touches it shall throw it from the point on the
boundary line where it left the ground in a direction at right angles with the boundary line.
6. When a player has kicked the ball, any one of the same side who is nearer to the opponent's
goal line is out of play and may not touch the ball himself.
7. In case the ball goes behind the goal line, if a player on the side to whom the goal belongs
first touches the ball, one of his side shall be entitled to a free kick from the goal line at the
point opposite the place where the ball shall be touched.
8. If a player makes a fair catch, he shall be entitled to a free kick.
9. No player shall run with the ball.
10. No player shall use his hands to hold or push his adversary.
11. A player shall not be allowed to throw the ball with his hands.
12. No player shall be allowed to take the ball from the ground with his hands while it is in
play.
13. No player shall be allowed to wear projecting nails or iron plates on the soles or heels of
his boots, and no tripping.
Soccer equipment
Soccer Ball
Probably the most important equipment used for soccer is the soccer ball. Soccer balls
come in different sizes: 3, 4, & 5. Also, if you are looking for a regulation ball, look for a
stamp that says either "official size & weight" or "FIFA Approved".
Even if the soccer ball is the official weight, some soccer balls are heavier & harder
than others. An unregulated soccer balls can be uncomfortably heavy or hard making it painful
to kick the ball. If you have a choice, a shiny, waterproof surface is best because it won't
absorb water and will last longer.
The Soccer T-shirt comes in many styles and colours. Some styles date back to the early days
of soccer and some have a more modern look.
Shin Guard: in the heat of the game, having good shin guards is very important. They need to
be strong but light weight and durable.
Soccer Shorts come in many styles and colours also. They are designed for comfort and
durability.
Soccer Socks typically will come up to just below the knee. They help protect the legs and also
can be quite colourful.
The soccer shoes are especially designed for the sport of soccer. Some have cleats and some
are made for indoor soccer.
Equipment Used for Goal Keeping: Goalkeepers' shirts differ in colour from those of other
team members, and are usually long-sleeved and costly. There are shorts made especially for
goalkeepers, with extra padding to prevent bruises. They tend to be longer than other shorts,
which helps prevent scrapes and cuts. The right gloves are important, and they can be bought
with more or less padding.